Rider’s gift to help others this Christmas

Dave Askew of Skegness who is planning to deliver gifts to Pilgrim Hospital children's ward and Women's Refuge.

Published:16:42Friday 20 November 2015

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A father-of-two is on a Christmas mission to deliver toys and gifts to two charities helping women and children.

Dave Askew will ride his scooter from Skegness to Boston on December 13 to deliver a festive surprise to the women’s refuge and children’s ward at Pilgrim Hospital.

Dave Askew in a Santa outfit with some of the gifts he has already collated for the two charities.

He says he just wanted to do something to help others in the season of goodwill.

“In extreme cases, some of the women and children who need the help of the women’s refuge have nothing but the clothes they turn up in, so it’s a very worthy cause,” he said.

The 50-year-old suffered a heart attack only four months ago and said it changed his perspective on things and helping others.

“The sad thing is that, when we are all sat down for Christmas dinner, there are people in the world crying and suffering,” he said. “If we can just help some of those on our doorstep, I think we should.

“If people can’t donate items, even just a couple of quid will really help. My wife will go to the shops to buy what they need with what money we raise.

“Even if we just raise £100, it will be enough to buy a lot of essential items and toys that will make a real difference.”

New or nearly-new toys for the hospital should be wrapped and labelled if they are for a boy or girl and the age group applicable.

Dave, who set up a local group called Skegness Scooter and Soul Scene, added: “While not everyone can donate new items, please note the clothing and toys for the refuge must at least be clean and complete.”

The biking enthusiast will don a Santa outfit for the ride, so motorists travelling between the two towns that day can look out for him.

A colleague from his construction firm will drive a van carrying the donations.

Dave will then join the Boston Motorcycle Riders’ Association for its annual toy run – heading through Boston, stopping at the Market Place to give gifts to Boston Women’s Aid, before heading out to the hospital.